Hat + Hand Warmers for Beginners

Many of us probably remember using grandma’s scratchy scraps and old bent aluminum needles to knit our very first scarf, hat or blanket. We were proud enough of our accomplishment to try again, but the project itself is probably forgotten in the bottom of a drawer somewhere. It is our mission at Purl Soho to prevent the sad fate of moth-eaten first projects!

Novice or expert, we all appreciate the pleasure of wonderfully soft merino and warm wooden knitting needles; we all feel inspired by sophisticated, modern design; and we all want to wear or give the fruits of our labor with pride and joy. That’s why Purl Soho has created a kit for first-time knitters that satisfies basic standards of beauty. Our new Hat + Hand Warmers for Beginners Kit equips the fledgling knitter with the supplies and knowledge (from winding into a ball to weaving in ends) to knit up a beautiful set of winter goodies!

Constructed out of simple garter stitch rectangles, these hat and hand warmers are classic, chic and totally easy-as-pie. And in Purl Soho’s gorgeous Worsted Twist, they’re incredibly soft and cozy too! Sized for women and men, each kit includes enough yarn to knit up a hat and a pair of hand warmers.

Pattern

Update: New Colors

September 13, 2017

So what’s new about this kit? The name, of course, but also its earthy new palette, as calm and lovely as a memorable walk in the winter woods. Otherwise, we didn’t tinker with a pattern that wasn’t broken!

I bought (and started knitting this weekend) your Learn to Knit kit with the scarf patterns and Super Soft Merino and absolutely LOVE it!! The booklet is so easy to understand. If anyone is on the fence, I say absolutely purchase it! I may have to buy this to add to my collection!

OK, that's sooo cute. I am not a knitter, but I REALLY want to make these. I crochet, but nothing in that field is quite as sweet and simple. Could you possibly translate this into crochet terms? If not, do you think that after learning the basics of knitting, I would be able to make this? Do you have any good resources for learning to knit?Thanks!

You mentioned (in your message to Fannie) that the pattern is available for purchase. But the link you give leads only to the kit, not to a standalone pattern. May we buy the pattern separately from the kit?

Love this! Was wondering if the kit has enough yard to make two sets of handwarmers instead of handwarmers and a hat? Visiting the parents over the weekend and noticed that my Mom could use a pair of the handwarmers. Thanks

Hi! I am in the process of learning to knit with this kit and I LOVE IT. What’s a good project to do after this one? I’d love to make my newborn a winter hat, but I’m not sure which one I could reasonably attempt as I’m just learning. Thanks! – Lindsey

You might want to check out our Basic Hats for Everybody here! I would maybe suggest making a hat for yourself starting out on 16″ circular needles first for practice, and then making a newborn hat using the same pattern and knitting on double points!

I bought this kit and LOVE it as it’s helping me learn to knit! I would like to knit my newborn a hat after this, and am wondering what a good pattern is to try next? I want to learn new skills with the next project, but don’t want to completely overwhelm myself. Thanks!

Could you please tell me what size needle you use for a mans hat with this pattern? I am using a size eight and when knitting across rows without stretching it the distance is twelve inches” does that sound right for a mans hat? thanks so much.

I’d probably use the same needle size, or at least the same gauge called for in the original. Then I’d simply add a few extra (around 5?) stitches to the cast-on, which would add some length to the hat.

Hello Cindy! We’re so sorry to hear that crafting has become painful for you. We haven’t heard of any specific techniques that may ease your pain (many of us are with you!), but we have heard great reviews about the knitting needles that are square instead of round. Check some of them out here: http://www.knitterspride.com/Materialwise-Details.asp?id=3&mcid=1.

Hi, I just bought this booklet and was wondering if I can use 16 inch #7 circular needles instead for knitting the hat? I figure I just knit 1 row then purl 1 row and so on…How do I decrease then? Or is it best to just use straight needles. Sorry I have so many questions, thanks!

Thanks for writing in to us! I think it’s a great idea to do a garter hat in the round. Your 16″ US 7 needles will do just fine. All you do is cast on and join in the round and knit up as far as the pattern says to before decreasing. When decreasing you’ll want to divide your stitches by four and place markers to indicate where to decrease. Every knit round you’ll decrease two stitches before your markers until you have a few stitches on your needles. You’ll of course need double pointed needles for the top. Best of luck on the hat! Let me know if you have any other questions!